The best luxury RV campgrounds near Gretna, Louisiana

Across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, Gretna offers a quiet camping getaway from the nightlife of the Big Easy. Motorhomes can roll into the local RV park, which features full hookups, laundry facilities, and restrooms with showers. Or, find a private tent site with water and electrical hookups as well as a cabin rental equipped with kitchenettes and private bathrooms right in town. For a day at the beach, head an hour north to Fontainebleau State Park, perched on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Build sandcastles on the beach, explore the water by kayak, and walk or bike the old railroad track now dubbed Tammany Trace. Tent and big-rig campsites offer full hookups, while an on-site cabin rental features double beds, cooking utensils, and linens. Extend the trip with a visit to Bogue Chitto State Park, roughly two hours north. Mountain bike a 14-mile single-track trail, tube down the Bogue Chitto River, and then rest up at a modern cabin with a full-size kitchen and queen-size bed.

100% (23)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Pelican Gardens

100%

(18)

3mi from Gretna · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · New Orleans, LA

We're a non profit community garden in the Old Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, a 15 minute drive or ferry ride to the French Quarter. We use the money from these bookings to fund the community food access work that we do. While you're here you can enjoy our peaceful and spacious garden property, and we encourage you to get to know some of the fantastic neighbors who use our community fridge and herb garden. Take the scenic Mississippi River Levee Path 1 mile to get to the Algiers Ferry dock which departs every 30 minutes and drops you off at the foot of Canal Street in the heart of New Orleans. If you have a car you can cross the bridge and get to most of the city in 15 minutes. You can also explore Algiers Point with its many restaurants, bars, local art and historic buildings. The levee trail is a block away, where you can jog, bike, or just watch the boats go by. Property amenities include an open air bathroom and shower, communal screened porch with seating area, propane grill and various pots/pans, cooking gear and tableware, fridge, picnic tables and a small fire pit. There is an herb garden out front and there may be fruits and vegetables available for you, fresh from the garden, depending on the time of year.

2. I'm on Vacation Retreat

100%

(10)

23mi from Gretna · 22 sites · RVs, Lodging · Saint Bernard, LA

The I’m on Vacation Retreat is a Lodge + RV park tucked at the edge of the world in Shell Beach, LA. When you are in the middle of the expansive marsh, you would never know you are only 30 miles from the New Orleans French Quarter and 20 miles from Chalmette. Home of commercial shrimpers and oystermen, and the BEST INSHORE FISHING IN THE COUNTRY. Epic sunrises. Breathtaking sunsets. TROUT. REDFISH. Everything you didn’t know you needed. Take your pick on how you want to get away. Will you bring your own RV to one of our 21 Pad Sites? Or, will you rent the Pelican Perch Lodge? No matter how you want to get away, our cozy retreat will be the perfect home-base for experiencing South Louisiana’s marsh. And, once you arrive, you’ll know, this must be the place.

Across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, Gretna offers a quiet camping getaway from the nightlife of the Big Easy. Motorhomes can roll into the local RV park, which features full hookups, laundry facilities, and restrooms with showers. Or, find a private tent site with water and electrical hookups as well as a cabin rental equipped with kitchenettes and private bathrooms right in town. For a day at the beach, head an hour north to Fontainebleau State Park, perched on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Build sandcastles on the beach, explore the water by kayak, and walk or bike the old railroad track now dubbed Tammany Trace. Tent and big-rig campsites offer full hookups, while an on-site cabin rental features double beds, cooking utensils, and linens. Extend the trip with a visit to Bogue Chitto State Park, roughly two hours north. Mountain bike a 14-mile single-track trail, tube down the Bogue Chitto River, and then rest up at a modern cabin with a full-size kitchen and queen-size bed.

100% (23)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Pelican Gardens

100%

(18)

3mi from Gretna · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · New Orleans, LA

We're a non profit community garden in the Old Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, a 15 minute drive or ferry ride to the French Quarter. We use the money from these bookings to fund the community food access work that we do. While you're here you can enjoy our peaceful and spacious garden property, and we encourage you to get to know some of the fantastic neighbors who use our community fridge and herb garden. Take the scenic Mississippi River Levee Path 1 mile to get to the Algiers Ferry dock which departs every 30 minutes and drops you off at the foot of Canal Street in the heart of New Orleans. If you have a car you can cross the bridge and get to most of the city in 15 minutes. You can also explore Algiers Point with its many restaurants, bars, local art and historic buildings. The levee trail is a block away, where you can jog, bike, or just watch the boats go by. Property amenities include an open air bathroom and shower, communal screened porch with seating area, propane grill and various pots/pans, cooking gear and tableware, fridge, picnic tables and a small fire pit. There is an herb garden out front and there may be fruits and vegetables available for you, fresh from the garden, depending on the time of year.

2. I'm on Vacation Retreat

100%

(10)

23mi from Gretna · 22 sites · RVs, Lodging · Saint Bernard, LA

The I’m on Vacation Retreat is a Lodge + RV park tucked at the edge of the world in Shell Beach, LA. When you are in the middle of the expansive marsh, you would never know you are only 30 miles from the New Orleans French Quarter and 20 miles from Chalmette. Home of commercial shrimpers and oystermen, and the BEST INSHORE FISHING IN THE COUNTRY. Epic sunrises. Breathtaking sunsets. TROUT. REDFISH. Everything you didn’t know you needed. Take your pick on how you want to get away. Will you bring your own RV to one of our 21 Pad Sites? Or, will you rent the Pelican Perch Lodge? No matter how you want to get away, our cozy retreat will be the perfect home-base for experiencing South Louisiana’s marsh. And, once you arrive, you’ll know, this must be the place.

Stories from the community

RV site showing van camper and picnic table

E

Emily

October 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at Pelican Gardens

We stayed in the RV spot and had a nice time here! We were only here for an evening and left early the next morning, but we felt safe with the gate during the night and the bathroom was convenient and clean! Garden was nice too. Thanks for a good place to stay!

S

Steve

October 2025

16 ft car

4 nights at Pelican Gardens

The RV space was premo for my vehicle & gear; there was ample space to pitch a tent and beat the Nola heat. Mark communicated transparently about the space and made accessibility easy. The semi-outdoor bathroom/shower was a nice touch - plenty of hot water with the on demand water heater. Mark & co. were super friendly and gave a lot of insights into the little fabulous cultural tidbits that Nola is full of. Sunday brunch was so much fun! Pelican gardens are such a beautiful forest of food and tropical plants 🌿 this was exactly the greenspace and vibe that I was seeking for camping, all while being a 20 minute walk to the Algiers ferry and close to the French Quarter & downtown. Riding the ferry daily and using the RTA Jazzy pass was a total breeze 🏖

T

Tish

October 2025

20 ft Class B

2 nights at Pelican Gardens

Mark's garden oasis in Algiers neighborhood was perfect for our 2 night stay in NOLA. Great spot for our 20' van, nice bathroom with shower! Super friendly folks, Mark and Antoine. Love the family feel, and close to ferry to get easily to tourist areas. Great value and our stay supports the non profit garden project! Love it!!

R

Roman

October 2025

25 ft Class C

2 nights at Pelican Gardens

Great and independent place to stay. Thanks Mark for the great communication and having us as guests

C

Corina

October 2025

31 ft Class C

With pets

5 nights at I'm on Vacation Retreat

We booked this place as we wanted to be close to New Orleans but not pay New Orleans prices! This place is a hidden GEM! It's no resort but has full hookups and is located in a small fishing "village" just 28 miles east of New Orleans. Bradley was a gracious and thoughtful host and offered to move us to a bigger and more private spot (site 12) once we arrived. Unfortunately, we did not have time to take advantage of his fishing charters as he also offers fishing excursions from his boats located just across the street! We will back back!

e

emilia

September 2025

21 ft Class C

With pets

2 nights at Pelican Gardens

We had an excellent stay here with our RV. The bathroom was spotless, the shower worked perfectly, and the garden was beautiful. The hosts were incredibly kind and always attentive to our questions. Without a doubt, we highly recommend this place!

E

Ernest

August 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Pelican Gardens

Beautiful and secure site for any wandering adventurers. Thank you Mark.

M

Mery

June 2025

16 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Pelican Gardens

Loved this place! I stayed here for three nights while visiting the city. The location is quiet, and the garden adds to the peaceful atmosphere. I felt very safe with the gate locked at night, and the bathroom was spotlessly clean. I highly recommend it!

Karin

May 2025

16 ft car

4 nights at Pelican Gardens

Brit was awesome, greeted me and made me feel incredible welcome yet provided independence on the property. Mark visited once to say hi and seemed generous. There was a nice couple staying in the main shipping container unit who I shared a bathroom / showers with. Felt safe and plenty spacious. Biked to the ferry along the levy at sunset and wow beautiful spot!